Does it take 24 hours to fly around the world?

Conquering the Globe: Circumnavigating the World in Less Than 48 Hours

Modern aviation has revolutionized global travel, making it possible to circumnavigate the Earth in a matter of days, a feat that was once considered an epic undertaking.

In the 19th century, Jules Verne’s fictional characters took 80 days to complete a world tour. Today, commercial airliners can accomplish this feat in approximately 48 hours.

Advancements in aircraft technology have significantly increased cruise speeds. Modern jets can travel at speeds of up to 575 miles per hour (925 km/h). This high cruising speed dramatically reduces the time it takes to fly around the world.

For example, a flight from New York City to Tokyo takes approximately 14 hours. From Tokyo to London, it takes about 12 hours. And from London back to New York City, it takes around 6 hours. Combined, these flights total approximately 32 hours.

Adding in additional time for takeoff, landing, and possible delays, the entire circumnavigation can be completed in less than 48 hours. This is a remarkable feat compared to the arduous journeys of the past, which often took months or even years.

The time saved by modern air travel is significant. Not only does it enable faster business trips and vacations, but it also facilitates global connectivity and cultural exchange. By reducing the barriers of time and distance, aviation has brought the world closer together.

As technology continues to advance, it is possible that circumnavigation times will further decrease. Hypersonic aircraft, which are currently under development, could potentially reduce flight times by several hours, making it possible to circle the globe in even less time.